Omron 2014 Annual Report Download - page 30

56 Omron Corporation Integrated Report 2014 57
Omron implements a unique intellectual property strategy
that combines business strategies and technological
strategies. By accurately assessing the technologies that
differentiate Omron from its competitors and also by
implementing vertical-horizontal management through
which businesses (vertical) are linked to and coordinated
with technologies (horizontal), we aim to achieve long-term
business growth supported by intellectual property assets.
We remain committed to maximizing long-term corporate
value through innovative technologies and the proactive
acquisition of intellectual property rights. We also continue
striving to make a positive contribution to the global society
by providing high-quality services and products in the areas
of safety, security, healthcare, and the environment.
■ Academic and Medical Institutions Employing Standards Based on the Ohasama Study
■ Intellectual Property Data
FY2011 FY2012 FY2013
Number of patents:
Applications 1,068 1,084 1,040
Approvals 915 1,172 949
Total patents 5,959 6,448 6,635
■ Intellectual Property Holdings
Total number
of intellectual
properties
11,460
(as of March 31, 2014 )
JapanOverseas
Trademark rights
12%
Design rights
12%
Patent rights,
Utility model rights
28%
Patent rights,
Utility model rights
31%
Design rights
9%
Trademark rights
8%
Other Business (Environmental Solutions Business)
and Effective Use of Intellectual Properties
Approx. 40%
Japanese market share for residential-use PV inverters*1
Sustainability Topics
Home Blood Pressure Study That Changed World Standards
WHO / ISH
World Health Organization / International Society of Hypertension
ESH / ESC
European Society of Hypertension /
European Society of Cardiology
Chinese Guidelines for
the Management of
Hypertension
JNC
Joint National Committee
JSH
135/85mmHg
Japanese Society of Hypertension
Hypertension diagnosis based on blood pressure levels at home
Dr. Yutaka Imai
Tohoku University Graduate School
of Pharmaceutical Sciences
In April 2014, the Japanese Society of Hypertension revised its hypertension treatment
guidelines for the first time in five years. This revision was a step ahead of the world in
stipulating that blood pressure data collected at home should be given higher consideration
in making diagnoses than blood pressure data collected in hospitals. Omron changed the face
of hypertension treatment when it launched its first home-use digital blood pressure monitor
40 years ago. The revision of the hypertension treatment guidelines marks another major shift
in the direction of hypertension treatment.
Named One of the Most Innovative Corporations
For the first time, Thomson Reuters Corporation (headquartered in New York City) named Omron as one of the
Top 100 Global Innovators*2 in October 2013.
HCB and Global Diagnosis Standards Approx . 160 million
Number of Omron blood pressure monitors sold over 40 years since launch
Sustainability Topics
Solar power generation systems have been gaining
a lot more attention recently as an effective
countermeasure for global warming.
There has been an issue with
“multiunit systems”
̶that is multiple solar power generation
systems connected to electric wires as they
would be for an electric power utility. During
blackouts, this situation could lead to problems
with detecting islanding over a wide area. This
complexity has been a source of system trouble,
creating a barrier to the proliferation of solar
power generation systems.
In order to solve this problem, Omron developed
AICOT®, an acronym for “Anti-Islanding Control
Technology,” which is a completely new innovation.
Omron lifted patent restrictions and standardized
the AICOT® technology, aiming for faster
proliferation of solar power generation systems.
1. Patented Technology:
PV inverter islanding detection method
This technology became a base for the new certification
system that is compatible with multiunit systems, and we
have partially lifted patent restrictions.
2. Technology Brand: AICOT®
AICOT® refers to the Omron brand of Anti-Islanding Control
Technology for multiunit solar power systems.
3. Product Lineup
AICOT® technology is installed in all of Omron’s PV
inverters for the Japanese market.
■ Standardization of Patent Technology
KP-K series
(indoor-use)
KP-M series
(outdoor-use)
KP-R series
(outdoor-use)
Intellectual Property Strategy Boosts Omron’s
Competitive Strength
*1 As of March 2014
*2 For more details, please refer to the Top 10 0 Global Innovators website
http:// top10 0 innovators.com
Japan’s Ohasama Study played an important role in shaping
the history of blood pressure monitoring as it became
integral in establishing global standards for hypertension
diagnosis. The Ohasama Study is an ongoing study of the
residents of Ohasama (now merged with Hanamaki City)
in the northern region of Japan’s main island. This study
began approximately 30 years ago in 19 8 6, when blood
pressure monitoring was still seen as an act only physicians
or nurses could perform. Omron became involved in this
project through the request of the study’s leader, Dr. Imai of
Tohoku University. To support the study, Omron supplied
home-use blood pressure monitors. We have since
continued to help monitor the blood pressure of more
than 4,000 residents while advancing the research.
The Ohasama Study found that blood pressure levels
at home were more closely linked to the risk of strokes
or heart attacks than levels at hospital and, therefore,
more clinically valuable. The study made this finding by
comparing the blood pressure readings taken by Ohasama
residents at home to those taken at hospitals for a number
of years. Also, the study suggested that blood pressure of
135 /85mmHg measured at home should be seen as the
standard for hypertension diagnosis. Around the turn of the
century, the World Health Organization as well as other
international medical institutions and hypertension
associations began employing this standard, and they
continue to do so today.
Hypertension treatment is constantly evolving through the
cooperation of clinical researchers and patients around the
world. Going forward, Omron will continue to aid progress in
this field by utilizing its sophisticated biometric technologies
in collaboration with researchers. By working closely with
medical practitioners, Omron will make ongoing contributions
to the health of people across the globe.
About Omron Where We’re Headed Corporate Value Initiatives Corporate Value Foundation Financial Section